During the seven Sundays of the Easter Season, the Old Testament Reading (the first one) is replaced by a Reading from the Acts of the Apostles: the stories of the early Church and ministry after the Resurrection. We hear how “many signs and wonders were done among the people at the hands of the apostles.” The faith of these followers of Jesus enabled them to carry out his mission and work, and “great numbers of men and women were added to them.”
 
Today we hear the familiar Gospel story of “Doubting Thomas.” Jesus appears and does “many other signs.” Thomas comes to believe by what he experiences in the upper room, and Jesus reminds him [and us] that “those who have not seen, yet believe, are blessed.”
 
Daily we are called to walk by faith and not by sight; and yet all around us are signs and wonders of the acts of the disciples of Jesus for us to witness! We may see the Advocate, the Holy Spirit, working for the kingdom in the persons around us.
 
I am blessed to witness these “acts” of disciples of Jesus on a daily basis here at St. Aidan: the charity and kindness, the dedication in varied ministries, the sharing, the love and respect among the staff, the volunteers and the parishioners. Like the song says: “We may not touch his hands and side” but we are surrounded by the signs and wonders of God! “Help then, O Lord, our unbelief, And may our faith abound.” Working in this parish has strengthened my belief in all that is good and Godly. “To call on you when you are near, And seek where you are found.” Found right here, at St. Aidan.
Keep singing!
 
Just a Note: I want to thank you all for the prayers and healing wishes for my husband, James, while he has been recovering from surgery. Thanks to all for the prayers, cards and messages of support and care—much appreciated by us both!

​Elizabeth Dyc

He is Risen! He is Risen, indeed! For those who believe, today is the pinnacle of our liturgical year. Today we celebrate the everlasting life promised us in the resurrection of Jesus Christ. “To the Paschal Victim offer your thankful praises…” (The Easter Sequence).
 
What does it mean to be a ‘Resurrection People?’ God changed our bi-covenant (you do what you are supposed to do and then I will too) to His New Covenant in Jesus Christ. God filled in the gap between God and us in the person of Jesus Christ. He died for our sins, our transgressions, He, who was sinless. In doing so, there is nothing that can keep us from the love of God. Just like David in the Scriptures, we too are anointed, and God rushes upon us always.
 
What do we do with this knowledge? We live in hope; we live in the light of Christ. In doing so, we live as Resurrection People. Others around us may be drawn to our joy in Christ, even in the midst of life’s trials and sorrow. We live in the joyful knowledge that death has no sting; sin and death are conquered─and so we live in the joy of resurrection and new life.
 
I feel that is what takes place in the persons of our Music Ministry at St. Aidan: others are drawn into our joy in Christ—this is our work. I would like to express heart-felt appreciation and thanks to the members of this Ministry who have worked tirelessly for weeks to lead our Community in sung praise. God bless you for your commitment of time and talent in service to this parish. You are a Resurrection People!
 
We know that “Death and Resurrection” is God’s pattern for creation! As believers we recognize God in this pattern and in our participation in this pattern. “Love’s redeeming work is done, fought the fight, the battle won. Made like Him, like Him we rise, ours the Cross, the Grave, the Skies!” (Text from the hymn: Christ the Lord is Risen Today) Amen, Alleluia! He is Risen, He is Risen, indeed!
 Keep singing!
 
​Elizabeth Dyc